A virtual keyboard is actually a key-in device, roughly a size of a fountain pen, which uses highly advanced laser technology, to project a full sized keyboard on to a flat surface. Since the invention of computers they had undergone rapid miniaturization. Disks and components grew smaller in size, but only component remained same for decades -its keyboard. Since miniaturization of a traditional keyboard is very difficult we go for virtual keyboard. Here, a camera tracks the finger movements of the typist to get the correct keystroke. A virtual keyboard is a keyboard that a user operates by typing on or within a wireless or optical dectable surface or area rather than by depressing physical keys.
Types of Keyboards
Keyboards have changed very little in layout since their introduction. In fact, the most common change has simply been the natural evolution of adding more keys that provide additional functionality.
The most common keyboards are:
• 101 -key Enhanced keyboard
• 104-key Windows keyboard
• 82-key Apple standard keyboard
• 108-key Apple Extended keyboard
Portable computers such as laptops quite often have custom keyboards that have slightly different key arrangements than a standard keyboard. Also, many system manufacturers add specialty buttons to the standard layout. A typical keyboard has four basic types of keys:
• Typing keys
• Numeric keypad
• Function keys
• Control keys
A virtual keyboard is a keyboard that a user operates by typing (moving fingers) on or within a wireless or optical-detectable surface or area rather than by depressing physical keys. In one technology, the keyboard is projected optically on a flat surface and, as the user touches the image of a key, the optical device detects the stroke and sends it to the computer. In another technology, the keyboard is projected on an area and selected keys are transmitted as wireless signals using the short-range Bluetooth technology. With either approach, a virtual keyboard makes it possible for the user of a very small smart phone or a wearable computer to have full keyboard capability. Theoretically, with either approach, the keyboard can be in space and the user can type by moving fingers through the air! The regular QWERTY keyboard layout is provided.
Canesta Keyboard Ir Light Source
The Canesta Keyboard Light Source (IR-CK100) plays a critical role in any Canesta Keyboard Perception Chipset implementation by enabling Canesta's patented electronic perception technology. The module collects the IR laser diode and all the associated optics into a single concise package, making it easy to integrate into a final product. The IR Light Source operates by emitting a beam of infrared light. This light beam is designed to overlap the area on which the Canesta Keyboard Pattern Projector (PP-CK100) displays the keyboard layout so that the user's fingers are illuminated by the infrared light beam. The Canesta Keyboard Sensor Module (SM-CK100) detects the finger movement and the typing activity is resolved into the appropriate keystrokes or mouse actions.
Scurry - The Samsung Product
Samsung's Scurry is also a wearable keyboard. It works by attaching motion sensors to each finger. It doesn't detect muscle movement, but rather uses gyroscopic technology to detect angular movements of fingers through space. This approach works better: Demonstrations on the show floor were far more impressive than its competitor's performance in terms of accuracy. However the device is too bulky. Nonfunctional prototypes of the final product are much smaller. The model demonstrated is wired. The manufacturers say, by the time their products become commercially available they will support the wireless Bluetooth protocol. Also the product requires specialized software for handheld devices.
Advantages Of Virtural Keyboard
• Speed of text entry
• Keyboard layouts can be changed by software allowing for foreign or alternative keyboard layouts
Virtual keyboards are projected images of the real thing that let typists compose their sentences on any flat surface. They are inching closer to store shelves. The keyboard will be convenient for people who travel so they can easily access information through web pages. This will be efficient for individuals that have physical disabilities. This technology will provide a keyboard that does not require force to activate the keys. It will serve disabled people better.